CA CA - Barbara Thomas, 69, Bullhead City, hiking wearing bikini in Mojave desert, 12 July 2019

[oviedo]

Attempting to summarize what has been reported so far..

Search underway for lost hiker in Mojave Desert
2:30pm reported time - black bikini, red hat, boots/socks. No supplies or cellphones - she walked ahead when he stopped to take a picture.
69-year-old Arizona woman missing after hiking in Mojave Desert
They were about 20 miles north of Interstate 40, east of Kelbaker Road.

Thomas was last seen wearing a black bikini, a red baseball cap, and tan hiking boots.
The search for 69-year-old Barbara Thomas is continuing In the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden Hills near ... from SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department : Nixle

Barbara Thomas, 69 years old, resident of Bullhead City, Az.
5'9, 130 lbs., Blonde hair, Green eyes
Last seen wearing a black bikini, a red baseball cap and tan hiking boots with black socks

UPDATE #2:
The search is moving into the third day for Barbara Thomas in the Mohave desert. Barbara was last seen in the area of Kelbaker / Hidden Hills near the I-40. The search involves numerous Search & Rescue members, deputies, K9’s, Sheriff’s Aviation(helicopter) and Park Rangers.

There have been no sightings of her at this time. The temperatures today hovered around 104 degrees.

Hiker Wearing Bikini Disappears in Southern California's Sweltering Mojave Desert


Bikini-Clad 69-Year-Old Woman Missing After Hiking in Mojave Desert Amid Heatwave

Arizona woman missing in California's Mojave Desert

Woman, 69, missing in Mojave with no supplies or cellphone and wearing only a bikini
Cat L. Smith
First report of shorts

Woman missing from Mojave Desert

Husband thinks she was taken (first report of this that I have found)

Search for woman, 69, missing in Mojave Desert after separated from husband while hiking in bikini | Daily Mail Online
Bikini-clad woman, 69, reported missing after hiking in Mojave Desert in California amid heatwave
Still searching Tuesday


69-year-old bikini-clad woman missing in Mojave Desert – San Bernardino Sun

Woman Goes Missing Without Supplies in Mojave Desert Amid High Temperatures
Thomas’ husband told KTNV that they took their trailer to the desert for the weekend. They were close to the RV when Robert stopped to take a picture.

“By the time I took the picture she was continuing on because she wanted to get to the RV,” he said. “And she rounded the corner and I lost sight of her.”

He suspects something happened when she crossed a highway. “My feeling is that she was picked up because she had to cross a highway. She was wearing a bikini and she had a beer in her hand.”

He said she may be in the Las Vegas area.

Search continues for missing Bullhead City woman
Search for bikini-clad woman in Mojave Desert expands with off-road vehicles

Desert Mines & Mills
July 16
July 16th - The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden ... from SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department : Nixle

Husband of Woman Who Vanished During Mojave Desert Hike: 'I Just Want Her Back'
Husband takes a lie detector test

San Bernardino County Sheriff on Twitter
Volunteers and off-road vehicles join hunt for bikini-clad 69-year-old 'abducted' in Mojave Desert | Daily Mail Online

July 17th - The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden ... from SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department : Nixle

Arizona Woman, 69, Missing for 5 Days in the Mojave Desert After Going Hiking with Husband
Roadside Camping - Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Map:
https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/upload/MOJAmap1.pdf

Cops insist they're examining 'all possibilities' after missing hiker's husband claimed he's suspect | Daily Mail Online


SBCSD Colorado River Station on Twitter
The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden Hills near the I-40 https://local.nixle.com/alert/7417152/

1:38 PM - 19 Jul 2019

July 18th - The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden ... from SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department : Nixle
UPDATE #7
Friday, July 19th, the search continues this morning for Barbara Thomas. Search and Rescue members are utilizing off road vehicles, K9 units and hikers. The search resumed just after sunrise this morning. The search will include aerial support throughout the day.

There has been no evidence of Barbara Thomas located on previous days. Temperatures are expected to reach over 100 degrees.

KTLA 2 hours ago.

Search Continues for 69-Year-Old Woman Who Disappeared on Mojave Desert Hike 1 Week Ago

The search continues for 69-year-old hiker Barbara Thomas

Today Saturday
July 20th - The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden ... from SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department : Nixle

News Update!!: Essex, CA: Search for hiker Barbara Thomas continues Saturday as a week goes by since becoming missing.

 

[zecats]

Something has been niggling in the back of my mind, with his description of what she was wearing and how he said it. I was thinking of Emily Glass in the LH case- the way he presents himself, specific details that wouldn't be necessary in media interviews, like her carrying a beer- (LE should know that, but why would the public unless there was a specific travel mug with a design on it?). Emily did something similar- remember everyone was going on and on about the pull up?

For some reason, that just stood out to me. God help me and my husband, if I ever go missing, as he probably couldn't tell LE what I was wearing. He certainly wouldn't notice my jewelry or what kind of shoes or sneakers I was wearing, haha. Seriously, hubby is not observant of things like that- he remembers what I made for dinner, the fun we had while hiking and swimming, but ask him what I was wearing- oh boy!

I give him benefit of doubt here. He was walking with her for most of the way. She's missing so he's coming up with all details he can remember to help find her. I'd say he'd remember she was wearing a bikini in this case.

 

[Lilibet]

Deleted by me due to causing offense.

 

[Didi777]

IMHO This could turn out to be a lot deeper and darker than we could have ever imagined...

MOO

 

[artsy1]

Something has been niggling in the back of my mind, with his description of what she was wearing and how he said it. I was thinking of Emily Glass in the LH case- the way he presents himself, specific details that wouldn't be necessary in media interviews, like her carrying a beer- (LE should know that, but why would the public unless there was a specific travel mug with a design on it?). Emily did something similar- remember everyone was going on and on about the pull up?

For some reason, that just stood out to me. God help me and my husband, if I ever go missing, as he probably couldn't tell LE what I was wearing. He certainly wouldn't notice my jewelry or what kind of shoes or sneakers I was wearing, haha. Seriously, hubby is not observant of things like that- he remembers what I made for dinner, the fun we had while hiking and swimming, but ask him what I was wearing- oh boy!

BBM IIRC, all RT said was she was carrying a beer. I believe it was the (unverified) nephew who posted it was a travel mug.

I could be wrong though.

 

[10ofRods]

Something has been niggling in the back of my mind, with his description of what she was wearing and how he said it. I was thinking of Emily Glass in the LH case- the way he presents himself, specific details that wouldn't be necessary in media interviews, like her carrying a beer- (LE should know that, but why would the public unless there was a specific travel mug with a design on it?). Emily did something similar- remember everyone was going on and on about the pull up?

For some reason, that just stood out to me. God help me and my husband, if I ever go missing, as he probably couldn't tell LE what I was wearing. He certainly wouldn't notice my jewelry or what kind of shoes or sneakers I was wearing, haha. Seriously, hubby is not observant of things like that- he remembers what I made for dinner, the fun we had while hiking and swimming, but ask him what I was wearing- oh boy!

Well, in this case, they did have a picture of her (that he had taken on the hike, on her phone, which was stored in his backpack). Or at least, he says it was taken the same day. If the police disagree, they haven't said so (yet). I think the beer goes to "not prepared to go off on a rock hunting tour of the Mojave; was there for recreation only."

 

[Eli9]

DBM

 

[ClaireNC]

IMHO This could turn out to be a lot deeper and darker than we could have ever imagined...

MOO

I agree.

 

[Lilibet]

Deleted by me due to causing offense.

 

[ClaireNC]

Well, in this case, they did have a picture of her (that he had taken on the hike, on her phone, which was stored in his backpack). Or at least, he says it was taken the same day. If the police disagree, they haven't said so (yet). I think the beer goes to "not prepared to go off on a rock hunting tour of the Mojave; was there for recreation only."

Are you sure they have a picture of her from that day? I haven’t seen that reported anywhere. But I might have missed it.

Do we know if she even had a phone?

 

[al66pine]

Beer 'Travel Container'

A beer that wouldn’t even have looked like a beer, since it was in a travel cup. Why not say she was carrying a cup?
I don’t know how I feel about him, but some things do seem “off.”

Early on (IIRC, sorry, no link) Mr T (or ?) said she had beer in a "travel container."

I tried to imagine what that would actually be.
- Metal beer can or glass beer bottle, in a kuzi/coozie, that is, a foam or neoprene holder or wrapper to insulate beer from heat. Often w brand, text, images, etc.
- a classic Solo brand plastic cup (open-top, open to bugs & free-floating debris).
- a stadium cup, a heavy duty plastic cup, like beer is sold in at stadiums/sporting events. Ditto ^ re top & bugs/debris).
- a commuter cup, designed to fit in vehicle beverage holder. Usu. the width of soda/beer can holder, w detachable lid, w drinking/straw hole. Some have hinged lids.
- large ceramic mug w hinged lid (think trad'l German beer stein). Okay, doubtful.

In searching or if found, could knowing which of above it is, help? Maybe ---
- SAR to locate Ms T. IOW, finding the specified 'travel container' could show where she had been.
- LE w forensics, e.g. fingerprints from her and/or others; DNA from her or others? Also
RV or home could have 'matches' to one in desert, relevant only if this develops into crim case.

I don't know if it ^ matters. Just rambling.

 

[whoizzit]

DBM

 

[mrstfs]

I feel like the more I look at that photo of her in the bikini top, the more I’m convinced that photo was taken in the past but MOO.

 

[Lilibet]

Deletion done. There is a time limit for edits and deletions.

 

[artsy1]

May have no connection to the case, but interesting since it's north of the search area. (Call 459 is ARSON)

Media Summary for Colorado River
Date Time Agency Call No Report No Call Type Dispo Location
7/20/2019 11:54:36 AM CR CR192010009 459 356** KELBAKER RD, KEL

Dispatch Call Log – San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department


ETA: If it's the house near that location, how do they already know it's arson? If not, was something burned in the desert, which would be arson?

ETA: This would be Kelbaker Rd right around Kelso Dunes Rd.

 

[Tricia]

Hey Everyone,

I certainly hope you all remember our rule? NO SLEUTHING OF FAMILY MEMBERS.

Thank you,
Tricia

 

[Usd2bfun]

“They should ask him where he last fueled his truck and go see surveillance video if available, looking for evidence of her being alive.”
All EXCELLENT Ideals.

For sure! How far can a big truck towing a large trailer go before needing to refuel? I’m pretty sure Goff’s is the only place to get gas once you leave Needles. They may check there anyway just because it is a popular bathroom and mini-mart stop.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

Beer 'Travel Container'


Early on (IIRC, sorry, no link) Mr T (or ?) said she had beer in a "travel container."

I tried to imagine what that would actually be.
- Metal beer can or glass beer bottle, in a kuzi/coozie, that is, a foam or neoprene holder or wrapper to insulate beer from heat. Often w brand, text, images, etc.
- a classic Solo brand plastic cup (open-top, open to bugs & free-floating debris).
- a stadium cup, a heavy duty plastic cup, like beer is sold in at stadiums/sporting events. Ditto ^ re top & bugs/debris).
- a commuter cup, designed to fit in vehicle beverage holder. Usu. the width of soda/beer can holder, w detachable lid, w drinking/straw hole. Some have hinged lids.
- large ceramic mug w hinged lid (think trad'l German beer stein). Okay, doubtful.

If found, could knowing which of above it is, help? Maybe ---
- SAR to locate Ms T. IOW, finding the specified 'travel container' could show where he had been.
- LE w forensics, e.g. fingerprints from her and/or others; DNA from her or others? Also
RV or home could have 'matches' to one in desert, relevant only if this develops into crim case.

I don't know if it ^ matters. Just rambling.

Jumping off your post to add my ramblings -

Since the first thought by husband is that she was abducted, it would seem the beer container would have been found near the highway. Your instinct would be to fight and not hold on to your beer if you’re being taken against your will.

 

[Tricia]

I have verified a family member for this discussion. I am waiting on one more email from this person and then we will be all set.

 

[Tricia]

I will start a new thread sometime. I am swamped and will get to it as soon as I can.

Thanks for your patience.